Matlock

Matlock

Parental Guide

Griffith's down-home charm has adult appeal.

Consumerism

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Drinking, drugs, & smoking

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Language

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Positive messages

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Sex

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Violence

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Parents need to know that this '80s legal drama includes shots of bloody murder victims and rare scenes of the violent act in progress. Crime, prostitution, and extramarital affairs are often central to storylines -- but overall, the subject matter is mild compared to today's standards. Supporting female characters sometimes wear skimpy outfits, and, in at least one bar scene, perform exotic dances in bras and thongs. Seemingly trustworthy characters often turn out to be enemies, and Matlock and his associates occasionally lie or trick people into giving up information.

Season 8 Episode 20:

The Godfather

Season 8 Episode 19:

P.I.

Ben's friend (George Peppard), a private investigator, and his estranged daughter (Tracy Nelson) try to re-establish their relationship while probing the murder of a director's (Jonathan Banks) mistress.

Season 8 Episode 3:

The Fatal Seduction: Part 2

Season 8 Episode 2:

The Fatal Seduction: Part 1

At a beach resort to attend a high-school sweetheart's funeral, Ben is drawn into the investigation of two men's deaths; Ben defends a man against murder charges stemming from a date-rape shakedown scheme.

Season 6 Episode 6:

The Dame

Season 6 Episode 5:

The Marriage Counselor

Ben's insurance agent (Ron Fassler) is charged with murdering a deceitful marriage counselor (Bryan Cranston) after the police learn the adviser was having an affair with the agent's wife (Kim Johnston Ulrich).

Season 6 Episode 1:

The Witness Killings: Part 1

Season 6 Episode 12/13:

The Picture

When lauded criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) agrees to track down the estranged husband of his high-strung cousin, Diana (Christina Pickles), he finds himself entangled in a twisted mystery that surrounds an art gallery's doctored photograph. As the investigation heats up, things go from bad to worse when Diana's former husband turns up dead. Now Matlock must defend his family's black sheep in court -- no matter how aggravating he finds her.

Season 6 Episode 14/15:

The Outcast

Season 6 Episode 19/20:

The Evening News

Recently fired television reporter Bill Finley (Bill Winkler) finds himself in a headline-worthy position when he becomes the lead suspect in the murder of his former colleague, producer Doug Levitt (Leon Russom). Legendary defense attorney and Southern gentleman Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) agrees to represent Finley, but Levitt's murder is just the beginning of a newsroom scandal that no one can anticipate. Can Matlock clear his innocent client's name?

Season 5 Episode 1:

The Mother

Season 5 Episode 19/20:

The Trial

Following the murder of the assistant district attorney, ace lawyer Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) investigates the case in his new role as special prosecutor. As the trial progresses, however, he uncovers widespread corruption within even the highest ranks of the legal system. The case looks bleak for Matlock, but, with the help of young partner Michelle (Nancy Stafford) and private investigator Conrad (Clarence Gilyard Jr.), he's determined to expose the truth.

Season 5 Episode 2/3:

Nowhere to Turn

Gentlemanly Atlanta defense attorney Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) must travel to Los Angeles for a case. He soon wishes he hadn't. A string of inconveniences, including lost luggage and a canceled hotel reservation, make Matlock late for his court date, which leads to an argument with the presiding judge -- and a contempt citation. When that same judge ends up dead, Matlock is charged with murder, forcing the down-home, Harvard-educated attorney to clear his name before it's too late.

Season 3 Episode 14/15:

The Thief

Season 3 Episode 2/3:

The Ambassador

The acclaimed services of legendary Atlanta defense attorney Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) are required in New York City, where British ambassador Alex Winthorp (Daniel Roebuck) has been charged with murdering his lover's husband. Instead of protecting himself via diplomatic immunity -- a maneuver that could jeopardize his high-profile career -- Winthorp hires the elderly but shrewd Matlock and his folksy doggedness to prove his innocence of this illicit deed.

Season 1 Episode 1:

Diary of a Perfect Murder: Part 1

Season 1 Episode 1/2:

Diary of a Perfect Murder

Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) is a likable but crabby defense attorney who runs a practice in Atlanta. Aided by his attorney daughter Charlene (Lori Lethin), Matlock must defend Steve Emerson (Steve Inwood), a television reporter who has been accused of murdering his ex-wife. Though the trial proves complex, Matlock presses on with it, relying on his distinctive country charm and uncanny intellect to help him crack the case and bring the true killer to justice.